As a team, we are bound by our vision, values and principles.
They underline everything we do - the way we work, how we interact with each other and even the types of projects we deliver.
Vision
Social impact organisations are better able to respond to the needs of the communities they serve by applying the digital knowledge and skills to their services, strategy and governance. By leveraging their experience to influence change in and beyond the sector, they can help create a fairer and more equal society.
Values
The following statements, created collaboratively by the whole CAST team, sum up the way we want to work together at CAST and with others:
We are bold: We are united in our mission, committed to making a radical difference with the sector, and determined to shift the dial in a positive way every day.
We are responsive: We work flexibly and adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
We are open: We work in a connected and collaborative way, providing a shared space for learning and discovering together.
We are curious: We look at all angles when considering a challenge; we think creatively and go beyond the obvious; we lean into learning with enthusiasm and courage.
We are kind: We see the whole person; we are human, inclusive, caring and generous; we hold a safe space and encourage openness in communication.
These values run through everything we do at CAST, and inform the way that we approach any new project, whether it be external or internal: one example is the development of our wellbeing policy; read more in our blog.
At our staff retreat in September 2024, we checked in with an exercise celebrating the many and varied ways in which team members consistently bring the values to life throughout their everyday work. Take a look at some of the examples we shared below:
Please do get in touch with us if you'd like to share an example of how you have experienced one or more of these values when working with CAST.
Principles
These principles are based on our Digital Design Principles. They've been adapted and evolved to work on an organisational level. They're designed to guide our ways of working with each other, our partners and the wider world.
Seek lasting impact
Everything we do is for the benefit of the sector and those it exists to help. It's why we do what we do. How we get there is less important. In other words, we value outcomes over outputs.
Understand what exists
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. We don’t waste time and money duplicating work that already exists. If it exists but could be better, we find a way to improve it.
Build the right team
Diverse, cross-functional and empowered teams work best. Sometimes this means working with partners and experts who know more than us. Effective teams have clarity of purpose and enough time to deliver.
Learn and adapt
Our work is driven by data and insight. We prize sharing learning early and often. This means we might have to change what we’re doing, or stop it entirely. And that’s OK.
Be nice
We look out for each other and help each other grow. We’re not afraid to ask for help. We’re always inclusive, purposeful and respectful.
Be ethical
Everything we do should benefit people and planet. This trickles through everything, from big decisions to who we work with to how we prioritise work.
Build partnerships
We’re always on the lookout for complementary skills, experience and expertise, bringing valuable insight to our work. We respond, adapt and innovate as a wider collective.
Be open
We’re transparent about how we work and the decisions we make. We’re clear about where work has come from and where it is going.
Just enough structure
Our processes and practices provide just enough structure so we can share, compare and input into each other’s work. They encourage freedom and flexibility to be ourselves (while being realistic).
Principles can be flexed
These aren’t rules, they’re principles. Sometimes pragmatism beats principles. In the end, it’s up to you to do the right thing.